[ET Net News Agency, 10 September 2020] Jefferies Research lowered its target price for
China Tower (00788) to HK$1.44 from HK$1.52 and maintained its "hold" rating.
The research house said China Tower's 1H EBITDA/EBIT was below Jefferies' estimates. Its
new forecasts incorporate lower BTS (base stations) assumptions resulting in an 8% cut in
longer-term revenue, 9% cut in EBITDA, and 10%-30% reduction in net profit.
Jefferies believes policy support for a single 5G rural network and the US DPR's (Direct
Product Rule) impact on Huawei would make more 5G co-building (2 networks in urban areas
and 1 network outside) a reality in 1H 2021. It cut its long-term 5G BTS forecast from
4.2m to 3.3m, and 5G/total capex by 25%/12% (2020-2026). (KL)